Protecting your online privacy and security is crucial in today's hyper-connected world. To keep your sensitive information private, stay anonymous online, or bypass geo-restrictions to access blocked content – whether that's for streaming or censorship reasons – using a trustworthy VPN (virtual private network) is essential for all your digital devices.
That's where TechRadar can help. We've rigorously tested every major VPN service out there to bring you this comprehensive guide to the best VPNs available today. On this page you'll find quick recommendations, in-depth analyses of the top options and detailed speed test comparisons.
Scroll down to discover the best VPN for your needs, and understand why we recommend these specific services over many others in what is now an incredibly crowded market.
5 best VPNs: quick overview
If you're looking for quick answers, we've put together this brief overview of our top five VPN picks. You'll find in-depth analysis of each one directly below.
VPN reviews
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Recent updates
We've overhauled this guide to make it easier to use, and have included our top choice for a free VPN here for the first time. Generally, we don't recommend using a free VPN – they're just not as good, secure or reliable – but if you only need a VPN occasionally, it might be worth considering. The biggest change before this was back in March, when NordVPN took the #1 spot away from ExpressVPN. If you want to see our latest VPN test results, we'll show you all the data from the hundreds of tests we conduct for each VPN service.
The best VPN overall
NordVPN tops our VPN rankings by offering an unmatched blend of features, speed, unblocking, and value for money. Not only is it half the price of ExpressVPN, it also has more features compared to Surfshark. They're its two nearest rivals, making Nord a no-brainer for most people.
OK, it's not quite the fastest VPN or cheapest VPN (in our testing those awards go to Surfshark), and it doesn't have the absolute best apps (see Express). But as an all-round package, we wholeheartedly view Nord as the best balance of everything.
Features
NordVPN offers all the industry-standard features you'd expect from a modern, top-tier VPN service. Log into the app, select a location, and you can connect to servers all over the world instantly – encrypting all your web traffic and changing your IP address in the simple click of a button. It's easy to use, even for beginners, and has all the advanced features you'd expect if you're more experienced.
With a kill switch and an auto-connect function, you'll automatically connect to a VPN server when you boot it up, and if the connection drops, Nord will automatically quarantine your internet traffic. That's essential if you don't want your location or identity leaking out by accident.
You can even choose what you don't want going through the VPN, thanks to split tunneling. For example, in our testing, we found that it's great for using Android Auto and Apple Car Play without having to turn your VPN off.
But there's so much more than just a fast and reliable connection – NordVPN sports an impressive suite of additional privacy, security, and usability features. There's Threat Protection, which protects you by blocking malicious websites and scanning downloads for malware. Threat Protection has now been split into Pro and Lite, with Pro offering even more features that go well beyond the standard DNS-based blocking. However, bear in mind that while this is a great tool, if you get a virus on your device you'll need a dedicated antivirus to remove it. Nord's core DNS-based blocker is only preventative, not curative.
Alongside this is NordVPN's dark web monitoring, which scans the dark web for your credentials and email address to ensure they haven't been compromised. There are obfuscated servers that can disguise your VPN usage, and a feature called SmartPlay to help you access streaming content when you're not in your home country.
If you want to upgrade to a more expensive plan, you'll get even more features and tools to play with, such as:
Read more about Nord's app support, streaming, security and speed ▼
- NordPass: Nord's own cross-platform password manager (see our NordPass review for more).
- Cyber fraud insurance: to help get your money back if someone steals your identity or hits you with a convincing scam.
- Data breach scanning: to alert you if your details are being sold on the dark web.
- NordLocker: secure, encrypted cloud storage so you don't have to upgrade your devices (see our NordLocker review for more).
App support
Nord has apps for all major mobile and computing platforms, and plenty of supporting materials to help you get set up if you're unsure. For the most part they're simple enough, and you'll be able to connect to a nearby server quickly.
However, the apps can feel busy and cluttered compared to competitors like ExpressVPN, with its simple power button interface. If you aren't confident with technology, you might find yourself forced to reach for the support site to help get you started with setup and some of the features.
As advanced users, our testing team found the apps can be a little unintuitive. It sometimes feels like it takes an extra click to get where you want to go, and the Settings menu may appear slightly hidden if you don't know where to look.
Nord's product team told us that this was actually somewhat intentional. They don't want the average user to manually configure their connections, in case they make their VPN less secure or effective. Nord has all the data to know which servers are going to give you the best configuration and wants to take all that hard work out of the mix.
Privacy and security
Nord has a solid reputation for privacy and security – the company regularly submits to independent audits and is also a key member of the VPN Trust Initiative. There are only two scratches on its otherwise flawless 12-year track record.
The first was a data center breach in 2018, during which, it was established, no user information was exposed and the center was immediately secured. My opinion on this is that NordVPN shouldn't have poked the bear by saying hackers would never be able to access its servers on Twitter. In reality, this is ancient history in the VPN world, and Nord has gone above and beyond to prove its security since then.
The second is that Nord is yet to release its quantum-safe key exchanges. For most people, this isn't an issue. However, for anyone who might be targeted by a government organization, the lack of post-quantum protection might be a concern. As quantum computers become better, government agencies are hoarding encrypted data to decrypt down the line. By comparison, only ExpressVPN offers post-quantum protection, so if this is a deal-breaker for you, that's where you should look.
In the grand scheme of things, these issues are minor and shouldn't deter the average person from using NordVPN.
Streaming and unblocking
Accessing streaming sites around the world is a big driver for lots of VPN users, and NordVPN shines here. It currently tops our best streaming VPN guide as the all-round best service at unblocking streaming services without being detected.
In our latest round of VPN tests, we found it reliably unblocks virtually all international Netflix libraries, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer in the UK, and almost all others globally.
| Netflix libraries | US services | UK services | Australian services |
|---|---|---|---|
| US, UK, AU, CA, JP | Amazon, Disney, Hulu, HBO Max | iPlayer, ITV, C4 | 9Now, 10 play |
Speed
In our speed tests, Nord maxed out our gigabit full fiber testing line with 950 Mbps on WireGuard but dropped to only 110 Mbps using OpenVPN (see below for a quick VPN protocols explainer). The reality is that most people will never need to use OpenVPN (just use the default settings and Nord handles all that for you) which means Nord is basically as fast as it's possible to be. Even if you did connect using OpenVPN, 110Mbps it's still four times faster than you need for 4K streaming (which only needs 25 Mbps), and more than fast enough for everyday use. At these speeds, you won't notice any buffering or slowing down whatsoever.
NordVPN, for most people, will not disappoint. With its potent combination of pricing, features, speed, and reliability, it's the best all-rounder out there and performs consistently well in our regular testing. There might be specific requirements you have that could lead you to one of the other recommendations on our page, but if you're a standard user and unsure which VPN to get, my advice is to trust Nord. ★★★★½
Read more: NordVPN review
| Features | In brief | Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | Great for new users, but more work is needed to make it easier to set up advanced configurations | ★★★★ |
| Speed | One of the fastest VPNs on the market, maxing out my testing line | ★★★★★ |
| Streaming | Unblocked everything we threw at it, every time we tried | ★★★★★ |
| Technical | A privacy-first approach that's supported with clear investment in improving the security of its apps | ★★★★★ |
| Support | Friendly, supportive and professional | ★★★★★ |
| Value | It's the best VPN at one of the best prices | ★★★★ |
The best VPN for beginners
A significantly higher monthly subscription price and a more limited feature set compared to NordVPN hold ExpressVPN back from the top of our list, but it's got plenty to offer anyone in the market for a VPN.
It's a strong choice if you're concerned about keeping your data safe online, with a widespread selection of servers to pick from, robust security tools and protocols, and excellent speed results. But the main reason we love it so much is because it undoubtedly has the most user-friendly apps of any other service, so it's a brilliant option if you're new to VPNs or confused about the technology.
For the more security-minded user, its hard to argue with ExpressVPN's offering. Not only does Express have its own bespoke VPN protocol in Lightway, it also offers all the main features provided by Nord, including auto-connect and a safety net-providing kill switch.
ExpressVPN calls its kill switch tech Network Lock. It ensures you can only access the internet via the VPN's secure connection, and blocks all traffic should the VPN connection drop for any reason, preventing any of your data from being leaked online.
Features
ExpressVPN comes with more than just strictly privacy-focused features. There are plenty of additional tools to make your internet experience just that bit more streamlined.
It comes with a built in ad-blocker, which can tame some of the more annoying aspects of the internet, and help you save precious mobile data that would otherwise be wasted loading video and banner ads.
There's also an optional password manager called ExpressVPN Keys that you can use if you don't already have one (here's why you might want to). These days, where everyone has a hundred different accounts, a password manager is an essential tool – making it easier to log into each different site, while keeping your details secret and safe at the same time.
Read more about ExpressVPN's app support, streaming, security and speed ▼
App support
ExpressVPN's mobile and desktop apps are quick to install and simple to use. The sleek interface will appeal particularly to the beginner VPN user, though it's slightly let down by the settings screens in the desktop app, which feel dated and basic.
The mobile app includes a graph showing your current IP address, and the amount of time your device has been protected by the VPN, both of which are missing from the desktop app. Also missing is the Security Assistant, which is a useful tool for helping protect your privacy and control your personal data by walking you through a series of device configuration and online security checks.
Streaming, unblocking and speed
In our latest VPN testing, we found ExpressVPN to be an entirely competent and reliable tool for unblocking international versions of Netflix , Disney+ and many other localised services in the US, UK, Australia, and beyond. We've found Nord to be slightly more reliable, in that it's easier to find a server and location that works with Nord, which means Nord is currently at the top of our streaming rankings. But ExpressVPN is still unlikely to disappoint you on this one.
Where ExpressVPN does stumble is when it comes to download speeds. During testing, speeds on our gigabit line dipped right down around 410 Mbps on WireGuard/Lightway, which means it's considerably slower than Nord. On OpenVPN, Express dropped to 210 Mbps when using OpenVPN. While these speeds are still more than sufficient for gaming and 4K streaming, it's still a big drop compared to NordVPN, or the king of our speed tests, Surfshark.
With the easiest-to-use apps and a hyper-focus on user privacy and security, we think ExpressVPN is the best choice for anyone primarily looking for a privacy-focused VPN service, and who is happy to pay a little extra. It's also an ideal VPN if you're a beginner and just want things made that extra 10 percent easier. For everyone else, you might be better off choosing either Nord or Surfshark, both of which cost less than half the price. ★★★★½
Read more: ExpressVPN review
| Features | In brief | Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Features | An automated one-click connect means you get the safest, fastest protection possible - without having to configure it yourself | ★★★★★ |
| Speed | Fast enough for streaming, online gaming, and torrenting, with a big focus on low-latency bandwidth | ★★★★ |
| Streaming | Consistently unblocks every site and region we test | ★★★★★ |
| Technical | ExpressVPN's teams are constantly improving the industry, but a recent DNS leak (now fixed) caused a stir | ★★★★ |
| Support | Always available, friendly, and helpful | ★★★★★ |
| Value | An expensive option, but if you want something you can stake your life on, it's worth every penny | ★★ |
The best cheap VPN service
Surfshark isn't just our pick as the best cheap VPN, it's also a one-stop security suite. It has built-in ad-blocking, antivirus, tracker-free web browsing, and a data breach notifier built-in – not to mention a tool called Alternative ID, which generates a brand new identity and email address to use online to protect you from spam or having your details harvested. It's premium protection without the price.
With one of the cheapest subscriptions in our list, Surfshark suits budget-conscious internet users who have a lot of devices they wish to protect and don't want to compromise on features, or try using one of the many free VPNs out there due to the restrictions they have on bandwidth and number of simultaneous connections.
Features
One of the crown jewels of Surfshark's features list is Incogni. This is a service that automates the process of requesting the deletion of personal data stored by data brokers and advertising companies. This gives users a chance to push back and reclaim at least some of their digital privacy from increasingly common and invasive data-tracking practices.
Surfshark also offers other security features, such as Camouflage Mode, its implementation of obfuscated servers; and CleanWeb, its ad/tracker/malware blocking solution. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections for busy households with lots of devices.
Read more about Surfshark's app support, streaming, security and speed ▼
App support
Like NordVPN, Surfshark has quite a busy app compared to competitors like ExpressVPN. While it gives you a lot of information and options, it can be intimidating if you're not used to using them.
In use, the app is solid and usually reliable. However there have been instances with the Windows app where the killswitch doesn't work properly, leaving you using your device thinking you were safe, when in fact you were unprotected. This is a rare case, though, and normally Surfshark's apps are reliable and offer plenty of configuration and customization options for whatever your specific need might be
Streaming, unblocking and speed
Surfshark is the king of the hill when it comes to our speed tests, reaching speeds of over 950 Mbps when connected through WireGuard and a chart-topping 640 Mbps using OpenVPN. That's why it's our top pick as the best super-fast VPN currently available.
As with our two top VPN picks, we found it can unblock multiple Netflix libraries as well as Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and most others, making it a solid and cost-effective choice for those who want to stream foreign libraries. The only real downside is if you live in China: Surfshark struggles to reliably defeat China's Great Firewall and there are better options available.
Surfshark has a low monthly subscription cost, super-fast download speeds, and an impressive array of privacy-related tools: it shows that a budget price doesn't have to mean budget features. The majority of people will find that Surfshark fully meets their expectations, and at this price it's hard to argue with its position at number 3 in our rankings. ★★★★½
Read more: Surfshark review
| Features | In brief | Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | A comfortable middle-ground between NordVPN and ExpressVPN | ★★★★ |
| Speed | One of the fastest providers around | ★★★★★ |
| Streaming | Another full house - Surfshark keeps getting perfect scores in our unblocking tests | ★★★★★ |
| Technical | A much-improved antivirus tool, but the Windows kill switch can fail under very extreme circumstances | ★★★★ |
| Support | Support site has come a long way | ★★★★ |
| Value | So much for so little - no one else can match the value | ★★★★★ |
The best VPN for Linux
It can be difficult to get a VPN client set up on Linux. The process often requires confidence with the command line interface (and if you don't know what that is, no need to read further).
This is why PIA is our top pick for Linux users, especially those who might be new to the platform. With an easy installation process and a full-featured GUI app, PIA makes using a VPN on Linux a breeze.
PIA is also excellent for power users who need a high degree of flexibility when it comes to installation and configuration. Getting into the settings can be a bit overwhelming for new users – there's a huge number of features on offer, more on that below. But if you don't need all that additional functionality, there's a nice, simple connect button to get you online.
Features
So, as well as an impressive GUI experience for Linux users, PIA offers a more-than-respectable array of additional features. There's support for an unlimited number of devices, split-tunneling to allow you to choose which apps use the VPN and which don't, and PIA Mace which is an ad/tracker/malware blocking tool. There's also multi-hop connections for additional security, obfuscated servers to hide your VPN usage completely, support for port-forwarding to optimize your torrent downloads, and more.
It's a good service, and one that has plenty of loyal, long-term customers, which is always a good sign. But for most users, we think this VPN is simply outmatched by the more appropriate options higher in our guide.
Read more about PIA's app support, streaming, security and speed ▼
App support
PIA's mobile apps are minimalist and easy to get to grips with for the average user. The service employs a similar design language to ExpressVPN, with a large, friendly power-button icon to start a connection.
However, the desktop app can be a bit confusing as it sits in the system tray and is pretty packed with features. The Linux app also has all the same features as the MacOS and Windows ones, and there are even two command line options for those who prefer the old-fashioned way of doing things.
Streaming, unblocking and speed
PIA is a rather weak offering when it comes to both speed and unblocking ability. It struggled in our speed tests, with WireGuard speeds dropping to 330 Mbps and OpenVPN down to 270 Mbps.
Now, this is still more than enough for multiplayer games and 4K streaming. So while we would hope for better results, PIA remains very usable: you can still take advantage of its ability to unblock all the more popular streaming sites, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
While PIA's speeds are nothing to write home about, it still shines as the best VPN for Linux users and has gone to great lengths to ensure that. PIA also has an impressive set of tools and features, including a GUI client for less experienced users, coupled with strong unblocking capabilities. I'd recommend the VPNs higher in this list for most people – but it's a great option for Linux users, as well as for anyone who's already signed up and happy with the service. ★★★★
Read more: Private Internet Access (PIA) review
| Features | In brief | Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | Not the best for beginners, but great for advanced users | ★★★ |
| Speed | Good speeds, but generally average compared to industry leaders | ★★★ |
| Streaming | Dedicated streaming servers and an enormous global network help you unblock anything and everything | ★★★★★ |
| Technical | The latest and greatest in VPN tech, and a proven no-logging policy | ★★★★★ |
| Support | A mass of knowledge online and expert support on-hand at all times | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Budget-friendly and offering plenty of features that would normally cost you twice as much | ★★★★★ |
5. The best free VPN
Perhaps you can't quite stretch to the cost of Surfshark's monthly subscription, or you don’t want to pay for two years all at once. There is an alternative to the other VPNs in this list, and that’s PrivadoVPN’s free plan. While it’s not the best choice if you plan to be online all the time, or do a lot of streaming or torrenting, it’s got a generous monthly bandwidth limit. And while it doesn’t match up to providers like NordVPN, it has a solid set of features if you want some basic added security when you're out and about away from home.
PrivadoVPN is going to suit someone who needs to use a VPN very occasionally and for trivial matters. We wouldn’t recommend it if you're seriously concerned about keeping your online identity and activities safe, but it’s a useful stopgap for anyone who doesn’t want to commit to a full VPN subscription.
Features
Like other free VPNs, PrivadoVPN can’t offer anywhere near the same sort of features as premium providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. There are no password managers, no obfuscated servers, and nothing like Surfshark’s Alternative ID or Incogni.
You do, however, get an ad blocker to protect you from online advertising, a kill switch to protect your data in case of a problem with your VPN connection, and even split tunneling to enable you to decide which apps use the VPN and which don’t. It’s a decent offering for something that costs nothing at all, but doesn’t compete with the reliability you get with a paid subscription.
Read more about Privado's app support, streaming, security and speed ▼
App support
Privado’s apps follow the tried-and-true design employed by competitors such as ExpressVPN, with a big, friendly connect button to get you online, and your current location and new IP addresss on display. The location list can be sorted not only by name or location, but also by latency, showing you which server will get you the best connection. There’s a decent amount of configuration options available for those who want to dabble, though not as much flexibility as you might find in PIA.
Streaming, unblocking and speed
Access to streaming sites is a big draw for most VPN subscribers, and while PrivadoVPN can unblock some sites such as Disney+ and the BBC iPlayer occasionally, it isn’t a service we would recommend if this is something you’re going to do a lot. You’d be far better off with a VPN like Surfshark, with its cheap two-year subscription and far more advanced unblocking capabilities.
Where PrivadoVPN does shine is in our speed tests, with impressive results rivaling Surfshark and NordVPN for WireGuard connections, though OpenVPN is another story, with speeds dropping all the way down to 220 Mbps. Still, that's plenty fast enough to stream in 4K and to game reliably, but again, there are better options like Surfshark for this.
PrivadoVPN’s offering is impressive for a free VPN, and while we wouldn’t recommend it for everyday use due to the hit-and-miss performance with streaming providers and monthly bandwidth limit, it still fills a useful niche for occasional use. There's also a paid plan if you want to upgrade later, but if you're considering doing that, I'd recommend going for one of the better options higher up on our list. ★★★★
Read more: Privado Free review
| Features | In brief | Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | Easy to use and clearly laid out | ★★★★ |
| Speed | The low end of average for a leading service, but generally fast enough for anything you could throw at it | ★★★ |
| Streaming | Some hiccups despite a dedicated unblocking team | ★★★ |
| Technical | Good scores on paper, but currently lacking an independent audit | ★★★ |
| Support | Decent email support, but not a lot of of on-site help | ★★★ |
| Value | Nothing beats free | ★★★★★ |
Also tested
To be able to recommend the best VPN services, we have to thoroughly review – and regularly re-review – all the major options, including the respected services below.
VPN speed test results:
We test the speeds on offer from all the top VPNs across different global servers and on a variety of protocols.
When we use the term "VPN protocol", what we mean is the rules under which the VPN connects to you and to the wider internet, and which dictate how your data is encrypted, transmitted, and then decrypted again at the other end. Most VPN services do allow you to manually configure which protocols to use, but tend to encourage you to let them decide for you on the fly.
The two main protocols we test are:
WireGuard: a modern VPN protocol known for simplicity and speed. While OpenVPN requires hundreds of thousands of lines of code to work, Wireguard needs less than 5,000, which makes it much more efficient and easier to audit. VPN services like to offer WireGuard as an option because in most scenarios it offers superior performance and lower latency, so it’s ideal for use over high-speed connections and on mobile devices.
OpenVPN: a legacy protocol that first emerged back in 2001. It still supports a variety of encryption methods and is to this day extremely flexible, so can be used on almost any platform and be configured in many different ways.
Read more: what is a VPN protocol?
Here are some screenshots from our latest speed tests.
You'll likely notice that some of these results are way over 950 Mbps, so you're probably wondering why we don't give those figures in our analysis. The answer is actually rather simple: we're testing on gigabit lines that are supposed to be capable of up to 1,000 Mbps. When we see results above that, it shows that our lines have been maxed out – so we cap our current test results at 950 Mbps.
We're currently in the process of building new speed testing tools with the help of leading VPN providers to give regular, more comprehensive speed testing data with 10 gigabit lines, so watch this space.
Read more: The fastest VPN for outright speed 2024
How we test VPN services
VPNs are notoriously difficult to test properly. Their performance can vary a lot across different global locations and device types – and the figures from speed tests and other benchmarks tend to change over time as well, which means you need to re-test regularly to stay up-to-date. You’ve also got the fact that these VPN services are by their nature secretive black boxes, and so it’s hard to verify claims such as a no-logging policy.
Our process is to subject these VPN services to a custom array of tests designed to determine which ones to avoid – and which ones rise above all the other good ones and deserve a recommendation on this page.
Feature analysis: we begin by gathering as many technical details as possible about each VPN service, analyzing things like network size, server locations, and supported protocols and encryption methods. These features are compared and will then inform how we conduct our subsequent tests.
Privacy and security: we analyze and probe the privacy policies and encryption methods the service offers, and pay close attention to any independent security audits that the provider has undergone. If a provider does not submit to outside testing, that is usually a red flag. We’ll also run many of our own proprietary practical tests to verify crucially important features, such as DNS leak protection and the effectiveness of kill switches.
Performance testing: using multiple device types over a 1Gbps internet connection, we measure connection speeds multiple times at regular points during the course of a day (and regularly throughout the year), and we also check connection times, benchmark DNS queries, browse websites, look at video streaming performance, and generally evaluate the real-world experience of using each VPN.
Unblocking abilities: we test each services’ ability to unblock region-restricted content across global platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and many more.
Support and reliability: we engage with the VPN services’ customer support offerings, such as live chat and email support. It’s important to look for responsiveness and effectiveness here, and we’ll also analyze the help sections on the providers’ own websites to see how easy they make it to troubleshoot issues.
You can read more about our testing process on our methodology page.
How to choose a VPN
Make sure you choose the right VPN for your needs. I can't tell you which one that is – I can only show you the cream of the crop to help you make a more informed decision. But, if you're not quite sure what to look for, here are the most important considerations to help you find the best VPN:
Price: arguably the most important factor – make sure it's within budget. Whether you get a premium, cheap, or free VPN, just make sure it's safe.
Apps: does it support your device? If so, are the apps easy to use, or are they confusing and cluttered? The less you know about VPN tech, the simpler you want to go.
Features: does it have all the usual mod cons you'd expect from a VPN – a kill switch, auto-connect, split tunneling? If not, you may want to look elsewhere. What other value propositions does it have? Maybe you want a built-in password manager or an antivirus.
Security: is it meeting industry standards for encryption with WireGuard and OpenVPN? Is it offering quantum-secure key exchanges to protect you from future data breaches?
Privacy: does it have a no-logs policy, or does it just say it does? Some providers claim they're no logs, but in reality, they're just not logging a specific thing – and they're fleecing you elsewhere. Remember, if there is even a shred of data being collected that could link back to you, then you don't want to use that service.
Unblocking power: while most, if not all, VPNs will claim to unblock everything everywhere, only a few can actually put their money where their mouth is. If unblocking content is your priority, then get a VPN that's proven to work.
Performance: it's not just about download speeds, you want consistent and reliable connections that won't randomly drop or cause immense packet loss.
Server locations: are there servers in your area (or the area you want to unblock)? If so, are they physical or virtual servers? Virtual servers tend to be a bit of a gimmick, and will often become slow and congested, so if you see a provider saying they have tens of thousands of servers to pick from, just be wary. Remember, it's about quality, not quantity.
Customer support: is there live chat support or is it just an email ticketing system? I've seen it all, and the better the customer support, the more invested the VPN is in giving you a better experience. Look for good knowledge hubs filled with helpful articles and a diverse range of contact methods.
Meet the team
Meet the experts behind our best VPN guide:
A privacy purist at heart, Andreas is a VPN expert who believes that the best VPN doesn't have to be the most expensive – it's about what's right for you. He tests Windows and Android VPN apps, picks apart privacy policies, and investigates the technical security of VPNs behind the scenes to uncover whether they're actually secure, or just saying they are. View author page
Mike is head-geek and has been our lead tester for years – he's responsible for our speed analysis, stream unblocking tests, and functionality testing. He'll find out if a kill switch won't hold up under stress, or whether or not your IP address is likely to leak out. Mike is always peeking behind the curtain to see how a VPN app is coded to unveil the truth of a VPN's build quality. He also tests VPN apps on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire stick, and Roku. View author page
River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar, with articles ranging from breaking news pieces and reviews to buying guides. Their goal is to help all our readers advocate for their digital privacy, and find the best VPN services and deals in the process. View author page
Chiara keeps us on the cutting edge of news and product updates, reporting on rumblings in the industry, feature launches, and all things digital privacy. View author page
Frequently asked questions
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool that creates a secure and encrypted connection between you and another location on the internet. VPNs can be used to ensure privacy and security online by masking your IP address – and thus your location – and encrypting data that's transmitted to and from your device, making it impossible for third parties to intercept or track your activities.
Put simply, under normal services your ISP can monitor and track which websites you access and the data you're transferring. But using a VPN means no one can see your data or what you're doing online, and improves your security, privacy, and anonymity.
Do I need a VPN?
VPNs are (for the everyday person) a luxury that is better to have and not need, than to need and not have. They provide an extra layer of security in your day-to-day internetting, and they're handy for unblocking your favorite shows.
However, for some people, they're absolutely vital. Journalists, political activists, and people around the world use VPNs to protect themselves from oppressive governments, access foreign media, and learn and report on global truths. If you want to make sure you're able to evade censorship and propaganda while maintaining anonymity and privacy online, a VPN is non-negotiable.
Most people fall into the general security camp. You likely won't need to stake your life on a VPN, but if you want peace of mind in a rapidly progressing digital age, then a VPN can form a key part of your security measures.
Is a VPN easy to use?
It's super easy to use most VPN apps, regardless of your skill level, though some services are better-suited to newbies than others. All the VPNs we recommend on this page are easy to use. However, if you're looking for a straightforward setup and a simple UI, I'd recommend sticking to ExpressVPN. Its apps are sleek and simple, and the one-click connect feature will automatically match you with the best server.
What can you use a VPN for?
Be it streaming, gaming, or just protecting your privacy, the benefits of using a VPN massively outweigh the risks of not using one. Unblock your favorite shows, prevent hackers from stealing your data, and even buy things cheaper online, all by routing your internet through a VPN.
Which VPN protocol should you use?
There are a handful of VPN protocols on offer, and the one you choose depends on what you're using your VPN for. Most people can happily let their VPN app choose and never have to worry about it.
If speed is your top priority, and you want to strike a balance between performance and privacy (while unblocking international content), then WireGuard will work like a charm. We explain what that is in more detail over in our What is WireGuard article.
For folks who want a super-secure VPN experience, OpenVPN is tried, tested, and the most reliable protocol available today (see our What is OpenVPN explainer for more. You can also see our other top recommendations for security in our most secure VPN provider guide). These settings are available inside the app of your provider.
Paid VPNs vs free VPNs – which should you get?
Free vs paid VPNs is an age-old debate. The reality is that most free VPNs aren't worth using, and even the best free VPNs come with limitations. Before you try a free service, I'd recommend taking advantage of money-back guarantees and free VPN trials from the best providers before taking a risk on a free plan.
Are VPNs legal?
VPNs are legal in most places around the world – but the things you get up to online while using one can still break the law. A VPN isn't a 'get out of jail free' card. There are a few countries where the legality of VPN use gets tricky. If you're after a VPN for China, for example, you can only use government-appointed providers. Turkey has attempted to block VPN sites and servers that don't play ball with its laws, and some anti-VPN rules in the UAE and Oman could land users in hot water. Iraq, North Korea, and Turkmenistan, meanwhile, have banned VPNs outright.
How to check if your VPN is working
To check if your VPN is working like it should, you'll need to see if the IP address or DNS requests are leaking. Open up an incognito or private browsing window and search for "What is my IP address". Find an IP address checker and run the test before switching on your VPN – it'll tell you your original IP address. Then, close the window, connect to your VPN, open a new window, and run through the IP-checking test again. If you see the same IP address, your VPN might not be connected properly or experiencing a DNS leak.
How to reduce the cost of a VPN
First things first, head on over to our VPN deals hub for the biggest and best discounts of the month. If you're still on the fence about picking up a VPN, or want to try a few services before committing to one, the best way to slash the cost is to use money-back guarantees. Switching between the best providers and getting a refund will give you months of free protection while you find the best one.
Will a VPN slow my internet speed?
If you're using a fast VPN, then it shouldn't. While a VPN can't speed up your internet connection, it can prevent bandwidth throttling, and using a speedy service with a reliable network means you won't notice an impact to your browsing speeds.
Can I use a VPN for my business?
You can and you should. A business VPN is a great tool to protect your organisation, and the best ones even offer granular control so you can choose who can do what, and what they can't have access over. Just remember that business VPNs and consumer VPNs offer different levels of control.
More VPN buying advice
- The best VPN deals
- The best free VPN
- The best cheap VPN
- The fastest VPN for outright speed
- The best VPN for Netflix
- The best VPN for Amazon Fire Stick
- The best VPN for BBC iPlayer
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- The best VPN for Windows PCs
- The best VPN for iPhone
- The best VPN for Android
- The best VPN for Mac
- The best VPN for China
- The best VPN for India
- The best VPN for US
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
